Wines Bordeaux Ch Phelan Segur 2008 St Estephe - 2008

Château Phélan Ségur 2008 from the Saint-Estèphe appellation is a distinguished red Bordeaux, produced primarily from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with smaller proportions of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The 2008 vintage benefited from a cool summer followed by a dry, sunny September, resulting in wines of great balance and structure. The terroir of Phélan Ségur is marked by gravel and clay soils, which contribute elegance and powerful tannins to the wine. Traditional vinification techniques, with careful extraction and ageing in French oak barrels, give this wine remarkable finesse and ageing potential.

Saint-Estèphe, situated in the Médoc on Bordeaux’s Left Bank, is renowned for its robust and structured reds, shaped by its maritime climate. The proximity to the Gironde estuary helps to moderate temperatures and reduce frost risk, while the deep gravel soils over clay subsoils allow for excellent drainage and encourage vines to develop deep roots. Historically, Saint-Estèphe has enjoyed a reputation for producing wines with longevity and complexity, often requiring time to express their full aromatic range.

Château Phélan Ségur 2008 is a wine that pairs beautifully with richly flavoured dishes. Classic pairings include roast lamb with rosemary, grilled rib of beef, or a rustic duck confit. For a regional touch, serve with entrecôte à la bordelaise, a Bordeaux steak with a red wine and shallot sauce. The wine’s firm tannins and crisp acidity will also complement aged cheeses such as Comté or Saint-Nectaire.

To fully appreciate the depth and nuance of this wine, decant for at least an hour before serving. The ideal tasting temperature is between 16 and 18°C, which will allow the wine to reveal its complex aromas of blackcurrant, cedar, leather, and subtle spice. This elegant and structured Saint-Estèphe offers a perfect opportunity to savour the classic character of Médoc Bordeaux.